Separable fastener



March 26, 1946. 4,

M. WINTERHALTER SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed March 12, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 FIIMIID 3/ 35 25 FIG 12 MART/N WINTER/ML m? March 2 6, 1946. wm'f 2,397,331

SEPARABLE FAS'fENER Filed March 12, 1945 e Sheets-Sheet 2 43 F7512 4 FIG-20 FIG. 2/ 4/ A A I 276.30 /a, a G q] 20 9/ MA RT/N Wm/ Tf/fl/A 1.1m

w 104 FIG.

M. WINTERHALTER SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed March 12, '1945 s speets-shet 4 F/az? nan m4 Mmvma- Patented Mar. 26, 1946 SEPARABLE FASTENER Martin Wlnterhalter, Morcote, near Lugano,

- Switzerland Application March;12, 1943, Serial No. 478,863

In Switzerland January 17, 1942 6 Claims. (Cl. 24'205) This invention concerns separable fasteners made of metallic or non-metallic materials,'of the type including a pair of stringers having interlocking fastener members longitudinally spaced thereon. separable fasteners known heretofore are usually provided with fastener members of metal of moldable materials which are fixed to stringer tapes offabric, for example to woven cotton bands which latter are sewn to the article which is to be provided with the fastener. The attaching of metallic fastener members to the stringer tapes however requires quite intricate device and when fastener members made of moldable materials are cast on the tapes these latter can easily be deteriorated. Also the manufacture of stringer tapes having an edge bead for maintaining the fastener members is complicated and it is difficult to obtain a reliable connection between the fastener members and the stringer tape.

It is an object of the present invention toprobers can be engaged on the carrier member in such manner that they are movable relatively to the carrier member in the plane of this member;

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification of which the accompanying drawings form a part and represent a number of embodiments'of the invention given merely by example, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a separable fastener according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a'fragmentary plan view, with parts in section, of a modified stringer for the fastener.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are fragmentary plan views of three further modifications of thestringer.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 arefragmentary plan views. with parts in section, of further modification of the stringer.

Fig. 9 is a further modification of the stringer.

Fig. 10 is an end elevation, with parts in section,

. of the stringer according to Fig. 9'.

vide a separable fastener comprising stringers which can be attached immediately to the article to be opened and closed without the use of an intermediary fabric tape.

According to the invention the fastener menrbers are connected to a carrier consisting of rigid material which has been made flexible" owing to its shape or cross sectional area and which is adapted to be directly attached to the article which is to be provided with the separable fastener.

In order to attach the separable fastener in simple manner to the article the carrier of the fastener members can be provided with connecting studs which are destined to be fixed to the article.

The carrier can be formed by a flexible thread or wire shaped member having fastener member spaced longitudinally thereon and connecting studs provided between successive fastener members. The articles to which the separable fastener stringers according to the invention will be fixed can be constituted by the piece of clothing with whichthe separable fastener is to be used but it is also possible toattach the stringers to an intermediate tape which then can be fixed to the piece of cloth in the usual manner. The

connecting studs ofthe stringers may be provided with pointed ends so that they can be stuck' through the article and then locked at the rear sideof [the'f rticl in any convenient manner.

In casetheucarrier: member has not sumcientilexibility'so as to provide for an easy movement of the s lider of..the fastenerfithe fastener mem- Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer.

Fig. 12 is an end elevation, with parts in section,

making a modified form of the stringer, andv Fig. 16 is an end elevation according to Fig. 15, while Fig. 17 is a fragmentary plan view of the finished stringer, and Fig. 18 shows a fastener employing the latter.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary plan view of a stringer comprising a carrier provided along one side thereof with longitudinally spaced fastener elements and along the other side with connecting studs used to attach the stringer to an article.

Fig. 20 is an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer accordingto Fig. 19.

Figs. 21, 22 and 23 are fragmentary plan views. each showing a further modification of a stringer of the type shown by Figs. 19 and 20.

Fig. 24 is a section on the line '24- of Fig. 23.

Figs. 25 and 26 are fragmentary plan views of further modifications of the stringer.

Fig. 27 is an end elevation of the stringer according to Fig. 26 withparts in section.

Figs. 28 and 29,, and Figs. 30 and 31, respectively, show two further examples of fastener f gmentary plan view of a still modification of the stringenFig. 33 18a section Fig. '39 is a, fragmentary plan view with parts in section of a further modification of the stringer, and Figs. 40 and 41 are sections on the lines ill-l0 and ll-M of Fig. 39 with parts in elevation.

Figs. 42, 43 and 44 are'fragmentary plan views of three examples of carriers for the fastener elements and connecting studs.

Fig. 45 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification ,of the stringer, and Fig. 46 is an end elevation of Fig. 45 with parts in section.

Fig. 47 is an end elevation of a fastener element according to Fig. 45 before being fixed to the carrier.

Fig. 48-is a fragmentary plan view of a further exampleof stringer, and Fig. 49 is an end elevation with parts in section of Fig. 48, while Fig. 50 shows a connecting stud according to Fig. 48 before being fixed to the carrier.

Fig. 51 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified separablefastener according to the invention.

Fig. 52 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale of the stringer used in the above modification, and Fig. 53 is an end elevation with parts in section of the stringer according to i Fig. 52.

Figs. 54 and 55 are a fragmentary lan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a slightly modified stringer.

Figs. 56 and 57 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modification of the stringer.

Figs. 58, 59 and 60 are end elevations corre- I sponding to Fig. 57 of three further modifications of stringers.-

Flgs. 61 and 62, and Figs. 63 and 64, are fragmentary plan views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers.

Fig. 65 is an end elevation, with parts in section, of a modified stringer according to Fig. 66,

which latter is a fragmentary plan view of the stringer.

Fig. 67 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, and Fig. 68 is an end elevation of the same with parts in section.

Figs. 69 and 70 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a still further modification of the stringer.

Fig. 71 is a, fragmentary plan view of a further embodiment of a separable fastener according to the invention.

Fig. 72 is a fragmentary plan view, on an enlarged scale-and with parts in section, showing a modified stringer in respect to that shown by Fig. 71, and Fig. 73 is an end elevation of the stringer according to Fig. 72 with parts in section.

Fig. 74 isan end elevation 'of a fastener element used in the embodiment according to Figs.

72 and 73. Fig. 75 is afragmentary plan'view and Fig. '76

Fig. 77 is a fragmentary plan view and Fis. 78

'an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modification of the stringer.

an end elevation, with parts in section. of the stringer used in the fasteneraccording-to-Fig. 71. Fig. 79 is a fragmentary plan view of a slightly modified stringer in respect to that shown by Figs. 77 and 78.

Figs. 80 and 8l,and Figs. 82 and 83, are fragmentary plan .views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers.

Fig. 84 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer, and Figs. 85-and 86 are sections on the lines 85-85 and 86-88, respectively, of Fig. 84 with parts in elevation.)

Fig. 87 is a fragmentary P an view and Fig. 88

an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modifled stringer.

Fig. 89 is an end view, with parts in section, of I I another modification of the stringer.

Fig. 90 is a fragmentary plan view and Fig. 91 an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modified stringer. I

Figs. 92 and 93, and Figs. 94 and 95, are fragmentary plan views and end elevations with parts in section, respectively, of two further modifications of stringers.

Figs. 96, 97, 98 and 99 are fragmentary plan views of carriers which may be used in the stringers according to the invention.

Figs. 100 and 101 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section. of another modified stringer.

Fig. 102 is a. fragmentary plan view of a further modificationof the stringer, and Figs.

103 and 104 are sections on the lines 108-I03 and Nil-I04, respectively, of Fig. 102.

Figs. 105 and 106 are a fragmentary plan view and an end elevation, with parts in section, of another modified stringer.

Fig. 107 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, and Fig. 108 is an end elevation with parts in section, and Fig. 109 a rear elevation of the stringer according to Fig. 107.

Fig. 110 is a fragmentary plan view of a modifled carrier which view also diagrammatically indicates the fastener elements and connectin studs secured to the carrier.

Fig. 111 is a, fragmentary plan view and Fig. 112 an end elevation, with parts in section, of a further modification of the stringer.

i 113 is a fragmentary plan view and Fig.

-114 an end elevation, with parts in section, of

another modification of the stringer.

Fig. 115 is a fragmentary plan view of a further modified stringer, Fig. 116 is an end elevation of this stringer with parts in section, and Fig. 117 is an end elevation of the fastener element. em-

ployed beforelbeing fixed to the carrier.

Fig. 118 is a fragmentary plan view of another modification of the stringer, Fig. 119 is anend elevation thereof with parts in section, and Fig. 120 is an end elevation of the fastener element employed befor being fixed to the carrier.

Figs. 121 and 122 are a fragmentary plan view is asection on the line Ill-I21 of Fig.125 on. an

'enlarged scale with parts omitted. l Fig. 128 is a fragmentary plan view of a further -embodimentv of a separable fastener according to the stringer and ensure that the fastener mem the invention with the slider shown in section. lock with each other. 1:. desired, they can be Fig. 129 is a fragmentary lan view and Fig. 130 an end elevation, with parts in section, of the stringer according to Fig. 128.

Fig. 131 is a'fragmentary plan view, and Fig. 132 an end elevation with parts in section, of a slightly modified stringer, and Fig. 133 is a section on the line l33-l33 of Fig.- 131.

Fig. 134 is a fragmentary plan view with parts in sectionof a further modified stringer, Fig. 135 a Figs. 139 and 140 are a fragmentary plan view 7 and an end elevation, with parts in section, of a still further modification of the stringer.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the fastener comprises two stringers, each being formed by fastener members I and by a zigzag-shaped carrier 3. The members iare each placed at onepoint of the zigzag-shaped carrier 3 and are provided with the usual; coupling projection 2 on one side and with the corresponding socket on the opposite side. 4 designates a slider of known type for opening and closing the fastener. Each of the two'stringers is made ,of a single piece of material and can be formed of metal, or of an artificial thermoplastic material, as for instance a polycondensation product of an amide, such as polyamide, or the like. by molding or die casting under pressure in a single o eration: The material from'which the separable fastener is made accordingly is rigid but' owing to the zigzag shape of the carrier 3 thi latter obtains the necessary flexibility to ensure an easy engagement and disengagement of the interlocking fastener members. The carrier 3 .can be directly attached to to be employed for instance by sewing or by means of an Edhesive.

' In the example according to Fig. '2 the carrier 5 and the fastener members 6, having protections 1 and sockets 8, are formed by two se arate parts and are rigidly connected to each other. On one side of the zigzag-shaped carrier the points thereof are formed with extensions 3 provided with holes in. Th fastener members 8 are preferably made of thermoplastic material and are cast or pressed upon the extensions 9 of. the

carrier so that the material of the members penetrates through the holes ill of the extensions 9 and a rigid connection is obtained between the fastener members and the carrier.

In the example accord ng to Fig. 3 the carrie are provided on one side of the carrier and can be made of the same material as the c rrier and formed in one piece with the carrier. or made as separate members. The other side nfflthe carrier the article with which the separable fastener is is of zigzag shape. The fasfener members 2 cast into the ends 14 when making the stringer.

' According to Fig. 5 the fastener members I2 are.

provided at the points of a carrier 3" of zigzag or V-shape and theiopposite pointslcarry perforated ends ll through which may-be passed stitches or other fastening means for attaching the stringers to the article to be equipped with the fastener. I

In the example according to'Fig. 6 the carrier has the shape of an extended conventional lazytongs and is provided with lateral extensions l1 to which the fastener members I! are cast; pressed or otherwise fastened. Owing to the shape of the carrier this latter obtains a certain flexibility to allow the interconnection of the cooperating fastener members. M

According to Fig. '7 the carrier I9 is provided with circular openings 23 which render the stringer flexible. The fastener members l3 are secured to extensions 2| of the carrier. In the example according to Fig. 8 the carrier is provided with recesses 22 and slots 23 which render it flexible. The fastener members l8, as-

vided extensions 33 with thickened ends 34. A

connecting web 33 between the ends "limits the longitudinal expansion of the stringer. The fastener membersv 32 are thicker than the carrier 3| so as to form shoulders 36 which serveas guides for the slider of the fastener.

In the example according to Figs. 11 and 12 the carrier 24 is formed by a zigzag-shaped wire having the fastener members 23 cast or pressed upon the points on one side thereof. According to Fig. 13 the points of the carrier 26 opposite the fastener members are provided with annular extensions 21 which increase the flexibility of the carrier and can serve forattaching it to an article by means of stitches. In the example according to Fig. 14 the carrier is formed by a continuous wire bent to form U-shaped members 28 and the fastener members 29 are cast or pressed upon the endsof two adjacent wire members 28. In order to limit the longitudinal expansion of the fastener a second zigzag-shaped wire 33 is inserted with its pointsintothe fastener members In the example according'to Figs. 15-18 fastener members 33 are cast or pressed upon the opposite points of a zigzag-shaped wire 31. The

' fastener members 33 provided at both sides of is provided with studs IS the ends of .which have 4 thickened end portions 14. By mean of the studs ll the carrier is sewn to the article which is to be provided with the fastener and the e ds prevent the. carrier from sliding out-of the stitches.

In the example according to Fi 4 the thickened ends I of the extensions of the carri r are connected to each other by a web, wire or thread These limit the longitudinal expansion of.

hers I 2 maintain their correct distance to interaxis xa: of the strip so that the fastener members on one side arrive between the fastener members on the other side and the wire 31 forming the carrier is again of zigzag shape. Fig. 18 shows the finished fastener. Attaching of the stringers to the article is made by sewing the carrier 3! to the article. I

when long fastener strips are required the "carrier is made in several sections which'are connected to each other at their ends by any lci l gnvenient means such as threads, wiresor the The separable fastener stringer according 'to as. 19 and 20 comprises a carrier as constituted by a thread or band of any desired sectional shape which may be circular, rectangular or otherwise.

rectly spaced on the carrier 4. and between successive fastener members the carrier is provided with connecting studs 42 used to attach the stringer to the article. The fastener members 4| are provided with the usual coupling projections 42 and with the socket 44. The carrier 40 The fastener members 4i are secured and coris made of rigid material which is flexible owing to its small cross sectional area. Preferably the Q carrier is made of thermoplastic material, for

example of a thread of drawn polyamide. As will be clear from the descriptions of other forms of the invention, the fastener members 4i and the studs 42 can be made of metal and can be directly cast upon the carrier. 42 or otherwise secured thereto, or can, for example, be made. of a thermoplastic material in a single piece with the carrier.

The connecting studs 42 are provided at theirends with a thickened head 45 and intermediate their length they are provided with a projection 40. These studs serve for directly attaching the stringer to a piece of cloth 41 or to another article which is to be provided, with the-fastener. For this purpose the studs 42 are sewn to the article by passing stitches between the end 4! and the projection 46. The studs 42 may be provided with a shoulder 42' against which abuts the edge of the cloth. Attaching of the stringer studs 42 to the article can also be obtained by means of an adhesive. Owing to the flexibility of the carrier 40 .the stringer possesses the required mobility for the interconnection of, the cooperating fastener members.

In the example according to Fig. 21 the ends of the studs fixed to the carrier 40 are pro-. vided with a head 48 the diameter of which corresponds to the distance between successive fastener members 4! .of the stringer, so that the head 48 of each stud makes contact with the two adjacentfastener members. In this manner the correct space between successive fastener memhers is maintained also in the case when a fastener' member becomes loose on the can'ier.

The heads 48 can also serve to impart the correct distance to successive fastener members in case the latter are strung on the carrier and afterwards secured thereon'by pressing.

In the example according to Fig-22 the fastener members 4i are provided at their ends secured to the carrier 40 with lateral bulged projections 49 which cooperate with the heads 50 of the studs 42. The stringers shown in Figs. 21 and 22 are also destined to be directly attached to a piece of cloth or the like by means of the -studs 42, for instance by sewing, the

stitches passing over the studs between the heads.

45 and the projections 40. 1

The stringer disclosed in Figs. 23 and 24 comprises a carrier 40 with connecting studs 42 which are fixed to the carrier by means of their heads ii. The fastener members, 4! are provided on their ends secured to the carrier with projections 52 which make contact with the heads 5| of the studs 42. The studs at one face are V-shaped in cross section as shown in Fig. 24

and are provided at their ends with a head 45 and intermediate their length with lateral pro- In the example according to Figs. 26 and 27 studs 56 having pointed ends 51 are connected with the carrier 40. The end-of each stud is provided with a hole 58. The studs 58 are connected with the carrier 40 between successive fastener members 4! and the carrier is preferably formed by a thread of polyamide. In order to secure the stringers to a piece of cloth or the like, the pointed ends I! of the studs are stuck through the piece of cloth in proximity to an edge thereof, until the shoulder 59 abuts against the cloth, so that the holev 58 arrives .at a rearside of the cloth. Then a wire or thread 60 is drawn through the.hole 58 of all studs of the stringer, this thread 60 consisting for example jections II. The stitches passing over the studs forattaching-the stringer to the article are made between the head 48 and the adjacent projection 52 and between the two projections 53. The

also of polyamide and the two ends of the thread 60 are fixed in any convenient manner to the stringer or to the piece of cloth. when so secured the stringer can not be removed from the cloth 6|. The edge of the cloth can be folded and sewed to form a seam as shown in Fig. 2'7, so that the ends 51 of the attached stringer are hidden within the seam.

In Figs. 28 and 29 the connecting studs 82 fixed between successive fastener members 4i to the flexible carrier 40 are provided with a pointed end portion 63 the edges of which are provided with small prongs 63. For attaching such a stringer to a piece of cloth the end portion 63 of the studs is passed through the cloth BI and the edge of the cloth is folded over the end por- 4 tionsto form a seam. In this case no thread 60 is required to be threaded through the end portions 63 since the prongs of these end por tions enclosed in the seam prevent the studs from sliding out thereof.

The stringer according to Figs. 30 and 31 cemprises connecting studs 84 secured to the carrier 40 and having ends which are split to form tongues 68. For attaching the stringers to the cloth 6| -the split ends of the studs are passed .through the cloth until the shoulder 65 abuts against the surface of the cloth and then the tongues 66 formed by the split ends are'bent over at the rear side of the cloth and prevent separation of the stringer from the cloth.

In the example according to Figs. 32 to 34 the carrier .81 is formed integral with the connecting studs 68 and consists for example of thermoplastic material, the cross sectional area of the carrierbeing such that the stringer has the necessary flexibility to be operated by the usual slider.

. In order to secure the-fastener members 4i t0' the carrier 81, this latter is provided with holes The fastener members are provided with extensions 69 inserted 48' between successive studs 68.

into and extending through the holes to form projecting ends which after insertion of the studs are riveted. in order to attach the stringer to the cloth 8! the connecting studs-88 are sewn to the cloth, the stitches being passed between enlarged portions '10 of the studs whereby the stringer is prevented from-moving transversely on the cloth.

The studs are provided the carrier. The fastener members ll have ex-.

tensions 13 extending into holes 18* formed in the carrier. The ends of the extensions projecting on the rear side on 'the carrier are pierced and a locking thread 60 is passed through the holes Iii' of the extensions and through corresponding holes 12* in the studs I2 so that the fastener members are secured by means of the locking thread on the carrier. In order to attach the stringer to the cloth 6| the connecting studs 12 are provided with a pointed end 14 formed wtih a hook 10. This end I4 with the hook I is stuck through the cloth BI and through a washer strip I8 placed at the rearside of the cloth and formed by hard material preferably of polyamide or the like. The hooks 15 of the connecting studs bearing against the strip 16 now prevent the stringer from being pulled off the In the example according to Figs 36 to 38 the carrier II of the fastener members 4| and the connecting studs I8 is formed by two distinct longitudinal sections as represented in Figs. 43 or 44. In Fig. 43 the carrier comprises two strips I1 and 11" having each one longitudinal edge thereof provided with recesses 19.. The fastener members I I and the connecting studs I8 are provided with portions 80 of reduced cross section by means of whichthese members are placed into the recesses I9 of one of the'strips II or 11" and then the other strip is joined to the first one and firmly connected thereto by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding. In order to attach the-stringer'to the cloth 8| the end portion 8| provided with an abutment face 82 is passed are pressed towards each other-as shown in Fig.

46. The stringer can then be attached to the cloth 6| by sewing thereto the studs 80.

In the example according to Figs. 48 to 50 both the fastener members I and the connecting studs 82 are connected to the carrier 40 by clamping. The studs 92 are also provided with jaws 93 and after placing the jaws astride the carrier they are clamped together as shown in Fig. 49. In order to attach thestringer to the cloth 6| the pointed ends 5] of the studs are stuck through the cloth and a locking thread 80 is threaded through holes 68 provided in the ends at the rear side of the cloth. In the two last mentioned examples the carrier 40 or 80 can have any convenient cross sectional shape and the internal faces of. the clamping jaws of the fastening members or of the connecting studs are adapted to the cross sectional shape of the carrier so as to ensure a rigid connection'with the latter. p

In the example according to Figs. 51, 52, and

53 two stringers IN and I02 cooperate withthe usual slider I03. Each stringer comprises a number of interlocking fastener members I 04 provided in usual manner with coupling projections I05 and with sockets I08. These fastener members are spaced longitudinally on a flexible carthrough the cloth and through a washer strip I6;

thereafter the abutment 82 bearing against the strip 16 prevents the studs from being pulled out of the cloth 8|.

The carrier strip represented in- Fig. 44 is formed by two sections 88. and 83" of which only the section 88 has one-of its'longitudinal edges provided with recesses 84, while the section 83 has straight edges. The fastener members and the connecting studs shown in Fig. 36 are placed with their portion 80- of reduced cross section into the recesses 84 of the carrier section 83' and then the section 88" is joined and firmly secured to the section 88'. The recesses I8 or 84 can have any convenient shape which is adapted to the cross sectional area of the reduced portions 80 of the fastener members and the connecting studs. I v

In the example according to Figs. 39 to 42 the carrier is formedby a single flexible strip 85 provided with holes 88 of any convenient sec.- tion. The fastener members II and the connecting studs 81 are provided with extensions 88 passed through these holes and permanently connected to the carrier by riveting the ends of the extensions. The stringer formed in this manner is connected to the cloth SI by sewing of the studs 81. I r

According to Figs. 45. to 47 the carrier 89 and the connecting studs 90 form a single piece. The fastener members I are preferably punched from a with the jaws astride its edge and then the jaws with the interlocking elements each fastener member IMis provided with an extension I08 forming a connecting stud having a pointed end H0. In proximity of this end each stud is provided with a hole I00. p

The fastener members I04 may consist of metal or of thermoplastic material. The carrier I0! is formed by a thread or wire of convenient cross section. Preferably thecarrier is made from a synthetic product such as a polymerized amide, for examplea drawn thread of polyamide. This thread can be passed through corresponding holes in the fastener members I04 which can be secured to the carrier by means of an adhesive or by pressing; they also can be die-cast directly on the thread I01.

In order to attach the stringer IOI or I02 to a piece of cloth I II the pointed end I I0 of each stud- Y the cloth, and then a thread I I2 is passed through the holes I09 in the ends of the studs projecting at the 'rear side of the cloth. At both ends of the stringer the thread 2 is secured thereto in any convenient manner so that it cannot be removed from the holes I08. The edge of the cloth is then folded over the ends of the studs and a seam is formed by means of stitches II8 as illustrated in Figs. 52 and 53. .The ends of the studs are now maintained by the locking thread H2 in the interior of the seam. Also in this example it is not necessary to use a stringer tape in order to connect the separable fastener to a piece of clothing. Naturally if desired the two stringers can be attached first to a tape in thesame manner as they are attached to'the piece of clothing according to Figs. 52 and 53 and'thenthis tape can be secured in ordinary manner to the piece of clothing.

The example according toFigs. 54 and 55 is similar to that disclosed in Figs. 51 to 53. Only the shape of theconnecting studs I08 is slightlymodified. In order to attach the stringer composed of the flexible carrier I 01 and the fastener members I 04 to an article I I I, the studs I08 are stuck through the edge portion of the article until the shoulder Ill abuts against the article and are lockedby means of a thread'IIZ which is passed through holes provided in the end portions of the connecting studs.

In the example according to Figs. 56 and 57 the ends of the connecting studs I are split so as to form tongues II! which are bent over after having stuck the ends th ough the cloth III, so as to prevent removal of the studs from the cloth.

In Fig. 58 the pointedend of the connecting stud H0 is bent to lie at right angles to the-body of the stud. The stringer composed of the flexible carrier I01 and the fastener members I04 is connected to the scam I" of a piece of cloth by sticking the ends of the connecting studs II3 through this scam and passing a thread II2 through openings Provided in these ends.

In Fig. 58 the end of the connecting stud I00 on a fastener member I04 is provided with small prongs IIO so that the stud cannot be removed fromthe cloth after having been stuck through it and a seam H3 has been formed by folding the edge of the cloth over the end of the stud. Fig. 60 shows a similar manner of connecting a stringer to the cloth; instead of prongs the studs I03 are. provided with books I20 which prevent removal of the stringer after a seam has been formed by stitches I I3. In the example according to Figs. 61 and 62 the originally pointed ends of the connecting studs I03 of the stringer are stuck through the cloth III and then riveted and thereafter the cloth is maintained between the rivet heads I2I and the shoulder I I4 of-the stud I03.

According to Figs. 63 and 64 the,poi'nts of the connecting studs are stuck through the cloth and through washers I22 and then riveted. Instead of using a single washer for eachstud a commonwasher strip I23 can be used for several or all the studs of a stringer. The stud I08 is provided with a shoulder II4 bearing against the cloth I I I andwith a shoulder I24 bearing againstthe washer.

In Figs. 65 to 68 the connecting stud I25 of the fastener member I04 extends transversely to the plane of the stringer. All studs of the stringer Y are stuck through the edge portion of the cloth III and then a locking thread II2 is passed through holes provided in the ends of the studs at therear side of the cloth. In Fig. 66 the end of. the stud stuck through the cloth forms a tongue I20 which Is bent over towards the rear face of the cloth to prevent the stringer from being pulled off the cloth. In Figs. 67 and 68 the end of the stud is split and forms two tongues I21 which are bent down oppositely to each other. An extension I23 on the fastener members serves as guide for the usual slider.

In Figs. 89 and 70 fastener members I 04 and connecting studs I23 are alternately threaded upon a flexible carrier I01. The studs I29 are provided with small prongs III! which prevent the removal of the stringer from the cloth after having stuck the studs through the cloth and formed a seam H3. The studs have their portions adjacent the carrier I01 formed to provide heads I3I. the diameterof which corresponds exactly to the distance between two successive fastener members I04 so that the studs can serve tively heavy cross section is used. In Figs. 71 '17 and-78. the carrier I32 is provided on'oneside with spacing members I33 and on the other side with connecting studs I34. Fastener members I04 are looselyengaged between successive spacing members I33. For this purpose the fastener members have opposite faces provided with re cesses I33 into which penetrate projecting portions I38 of the spacing members. The ends of the studs to be stuck through the cloth III are split so as to form tongues which can be bent over. The rear end face I31 of the fastener members servesJ-s a guide for the slider I03. At the place of operation v of the slider I03 the movably mounted fastener members I 04 can easily adapt themselves to the position imparted to them by the slider, while the projecting portions I30 of the spacing members penetrating into the recesses I35 prevent removal of the fastener members from the carrier I32.

In the example according to Figs. 72 to 74 the connecting studs I38 of the carrier I32 are provided with pointed ends and after they are stuck through the cloth III a locking thread II2 is pulled through openings provided in the end portions of the studs. In Figs. 71, 72 and "I7 the spacing members I33 and the connecting studs I34 and I33 are disposed in the same transverse planes on the carrier, while inFigs. 75, 76 and 79 the connecting studs are longitudinally-displaced relatively to spacing members.

According to Figs. 80 and 81 the spacing members I40 01' the connecting studs I42 are provided flexible carrier and the connecting studs are formed in a single piece and the fastener members are separate parts rigidly secured to the carrier. In Figs. 84 to 86 the studs I41 have split ends to form tongues I43 which are bent over after the ends of the studs have beenstuck through the clothQlII. I04 are provided with extensions I43 the ends of which are also split and form tongues I30.

The extensions I43 are inserted through openings in the carrier I43 and then the ton ues I30 are bent 'over. In Figs. 87 and 88 the fastener members I04 are provided with extensions I43 which are inserted through openings I48 of the carrier I40 and then their ends are riveted to The connecting studs I41 made as v a single piece with the carrier are provided with of a thread II2 pulled through holes provided in' as spacing members to maintain the exact spac-.

ing of the fastener members.

In the example according to Figs. -71 to 83 the fastener members I04 are movably carried by the flexible carrier I32 so that they can rock relatlvely to the carrier in the plane of the stringer.

This arrangement provides for a greater flexibility of the stringers in case a carrier of relapointed ends I3I which are adapted to be stuck through the cloth III and to be locked by means the studs. According to Fig. 89Ithe extensions I49 of the fastener members I04 are inserted through the openings I43 in the carrier I40 and are locked to the carrier by means of the thread II2 pulled through openings provided in the end portions of the extensions. The connecting studs formed in a single piece with the carrier I48 are provided with small prongs I I3 which prevent the studs from being pulled out of the scam I I3 of the cloth III.

In the example according toFigs. 90 and 91 The fastener members.

- carrier.

'members I04 are strung on the section I66 of the carrier I58 is formed as flexible strip to which I are provided with a pointed end I56 which is stuck through the cloth III and secured thereto by means of a locking thread H2. The carrier I53 is shown in Fig. 96 and is provided with holes I51 receiving the extensions of the fastener members and-of the connecting studs.-

In Figs. 92 and 93 the connecting studs I58 of the stringer are formed as extensions of the fastener members I04. These studs are inserted through openings I60 of the carrier I59 (Fig. 97) and by riveting them as shown at I6I (Fig. 92) they are secured to the carrier. Attaching of the stringer to the cloth III can be madeaccording to any of the hereinbefore described manners, for example by means of a locking thread II2 pulled through openings provided in the ends of the studs I68.

In the example according toFIgs. 94 and 95 the studs I62 formed as'extensions of the fas tener members I04 are'provided with a portion I63 of reduced cross sectional area which serves section which are inserted into corresponding recesses of a carrier I64 made in two sections as disclosed by Fig. 98 or 99. p

,In the example according to Figs. 105 and 106 the carrier I10 and the connecting studs III. are made. in a single piece. The fastener members I04 are clamped to the carrier between successive connecting studs. In this case the fastener members can be punched out of metal and provided with two spread apart clamping jaws as shown in Fig. 47, while after clamping the members to the carrier the jaws I12 have the position for securing the fastener members to the carrier I I64. The carrier is formed by a strip composed of two distinct longitudinal sections I64 and I64" (Fig. 98) providing between themselves recesses I 65 adapted to receive the reduced portions I63 of the connecting studs. The fastener members I04 are placed into the recesses of one of the two carrier sections I64 and I64" before joining the two sections and then the other section is joined to the first one and secured thereto by means of adhesive or by soldering or welding. The fastener members I04 are thus permanently connected to the carrier I64. For attaching the stringer to the cloth II I a locking thread'I I2 is pulled through openings provided in the end portions of the studs I62.

According to Fig. 99 the flexible carrier is made by two sections I66 and I66" of which the sec tion I66 only is provided with longitudinally spaced recesses I65 along one of its edges. Such a carrier may be used-for a stringer according to Figs. 100 and 101. The fastener members I04 are providedwith an opening I61 through which the carrier will be pulled and the connecting studs have a portion of reduced cross section I69 adapted to be placed in the recesses I65 of the First the desired number of fastener the carrier, then the'connecting studs I68 are inserted with their reduced portion each into a rewith the section I66 by an adhesive or by welding, whereafter the connecting studs I68 are permanently secured 'to the carrier. The fastener members can then be correctly spaced on the carrier andfixed thereto by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding, or by clamping them to the carrier by a. pressing operation, and the completed stringer can then be attached according to any of the hereinbefore described manners to the piece of clothing.

According to Figs. 102, tener members I04 and the connecting studs I68, are provided with portions I69 of reduced cross shown in Fig. 106. It is also possible to fix both, fastener members and connecting studs. to a carrier by clamping, as more or less diagrammatically shown in Fig. 110; this carrier is provided with spaced recesses I15 for positioning the fastener members I04, and with-recesses I16 for positioning the connecting studs I18. v I

in Figs. 107 to 109 The modification shown represents a so called coveredfastener in which the'article I II to which the fastener stringers are attached is used tohide the. fastener from view. For this purposea fold I11 is formed near the edge of the cloth III, and a connecting-stud I18 provided laterally on the fastener members I04 is stuck through both branches ofthe fold. The end of the stud projecting" from the rear side of the fold is provided with an opening so that a locking thread II2 can be pulled through the studs of all fastener members fixed to the carrier I01, so that the stringer is firmly secured to the fold I11, while the edge portion of the cloth II covers the outer side of the stringer.

According to Fig's. 11l and 112' the carrier I84 is formed by a drawn thread of polyamide of rectangular cross section. The fastener members I04 are made in a single piece with the connecting studs which form extensions of the fastener members. The studs are formed by a portion I19 member, 'of a frusto-conical collar I80 followed by a. reduced portion I8I and by an end cone I82 having a laterally projecting base I83. In order to attach the fastener members I04 to the carrier, the studs are stuck through the carrier which may be provided. with corresponding holes for this purpose. The material of the carrier is yieldable so that after passing the cone I82 and the collar I80 through openings of smaller diameter in the carrier, the material of the latter contracts about the reduced portion: I19 of the studs and the fastener members cannot be removed anymore from the carrier I84, which is enclosed between the rear end face of the fastener members I04 and the larger face of the frus'to-conical collars I60. For attaching the so formed stringer to-an article of cloth or other material, the coneshaped ends I82 are stuck through the article III and if desired also through a washer strip I85 of polyamide or the like. A stitched down fold "9 can then be formed to enclose the cones I82, wherafter the studs are prevented from being pulled out of the article by the base I83 of the cones bearing against the washer strip I85.

In the example according to Figs. 113 and 114 the connecting studs-of the fastener members 10s and 104, the fas- I04 are similar to those represented in Figs. lll andll2, only the cone-shaped end I82 is replaced by a pointed hook-shaped end I86. I The fastener member I04 are fixed to the carrier I84 by sticking the studs through holes in the carrier I84 'whereaiter the frusto-conical'collar I80 prevents removal of the carrier, .while attaching of the stringer to article III "is obtained in the manner 'asdescribed with sb ct to Figs. 111 and 112.

In the modification according to Figs. 115 to 117 the connecting stud I81 has a hook-shaped pointe'd end forming a retaining surface I89 and a reduced portion I88. For attaching th'efastener members I04 tothe carrier I98-which is prefer- .ably formed by a thread of poLvamide, the fastenermembers are provided with an open slot I9I (Fig. 117) into which the carrier. thread is v a. washer strip I89 against which the retaining surface I89 is bearing to prevent removal of the stringer from the'cioth III.

In Figs. 118 to 120 the connecting stud I93 form'ed asextension of the fastener member I04 is stuck through the carrier I94 which penetrates into recesses I99 of the fastener member. The connecting stud is provided with a reduced portion I96 forming retaining surfaces I91 which bear against a washer strip I09 after the stud has been stuck through the cloth I I I and through the washer strip.

In the example according to Figs. 121 and 122 I the carrier of the fastener members I04 is formed by two distinct threads or wires I98 and I99 one of which is of circular, and the other of rectangular cross section; the cross sectional area, however, could also be otherwise. The two threads I98 and I99 can be passed through corresponding holes in the fastener members I04 which are secured in any convenient manner on the threads, for example by an adhesive, by pressing or soldering, or by die casting the members on the threads, or by casting the threads and the fastener members in a single piece, in which case the threads I98 and I99 form webs between successive fastener members. The connecting studs I08 are provided with a pointed end I09 and with an opening receiving a locking thread II2 after the ends of the studs have been stuck through the article III until the shoulder II4 abuts against the surface of the article.

As represented in Figs. .123 and 124 the fastener members I04 are provided with a laterally open slot 200 before theyare fixed to the carrier I01. This latter is inserted into the slot 200 and then an extension "I originally-provided on the fastener member is bent down upon the carrier which is thus firmly clampedin the slot 200. The connecting stud 202 is formed as extension of the fastener member, and provided with a hookshaped end 208 forming a retaining surface 204. In order to'attach the stringer to a piece of cloth II I, the studs are stuck through the cloth and through a washer strip I" of yielding material until the shoulder 208 of the stud abutsagainst the outer surface of the cloth. The retaining surface 204 bearing against the washer strip I 88 prevents the studs from being pulled off the cloth.

The fastenerv stringer represented'in Figs. 125 to 127 is similar to. the example Just described. The flexible carrier I01 is inserted into a lateral slot 200 of the fastener members I04 and is from Fig. 127 representing a cross section throughsame clamped therein by means of two originally pro- 'iecting noses 209 of the fastener members. The end portion 203 of the connecting studs 202 is provided at opposite sides with two axially disf' placed retaining noses 201 and 208. The two noses-are also laterally displaced as can be seen a stud. In order to attach the stringer to a piece of cloth III the end 203 of the stud is stuck with both retaining noses 201 and 209 through the cloth and through a. washer strip' I 95 until the shoulder 205 of the stud. abuts against the cloth. The upper retaining nose 201 then bears against the washer strip I99 and prevents the stringer from being pulled off the cloth I.

' In the example according to'l lgs. 128 to130 the, fastener stringers comprise a flexible carrier 299 to which are fixed on one side spacing members 299 for the fastener members 281, and on the other side connecting studs 298 for attaching the stringer to an article 299. The fastener members are provided with the usual coupling projection 300 and cooperating socket 90I, and are movably mounted between successive spacing members 299. For this purpose the fastener members are provided at opposite sides'with slots 302 having a curved bottom face, into which the spacing members engage with their lateral projections 303. Owing to this movable connection with the carrier 295, 'the fastener members 291 can effect a limited rocking movement in the plane of the stringer whereby the flexibility of the fastener is increased. The connecting studs 298 of the carrier can be sewn to thefarticle 299, and

arev provided with enlargements 304 between which the sewing stitches 304 are passed over the studs so as to prevent a transverse movement of the carrier.

In Figs. 128 to 130 the spacing members 296 and the connecting studs 298 are provided on the carrier in the same transverse planes, while in the example according toFigs. 131 to 133 the studs 309 are longitudinally displaced relatively to the spacing members 299. The fastener members 291'are connected to the spacing members in the same manner as in Figs. 129 and 130. The

connecting studs 305 as viewed in transverse cross section have faces opposite the cloth which are V-shaped as shown in Fig. 133-, and are provided with enlargements 304 between which the stitches are passed over the stud for attaching the stringer to a piece of cloth. The .needle used for sewing can slide down the inclined faces of the studs when it arrives on top of a stud.

In the example according to Figs. 13% and 135 the carrier 2990f the fastener members 291 is again provided with connecting studs 298 which are destined to be sewn to. the cloth 299. The spacing members 309 on the carrier are provided with slots 301 having a curved bottom face, and the fastener members have curved projections 309 on opposite sides which are engaged in the slots 901 of successive spacing members 309. The fastener members are thus movable relatively to the. carrier in the plane of the stringer. In the modification shown in Fig. 136 the carrier 299 is thicker than the connecting studs 298' so as to form an abutment surface for the edge of the cloth 299. I

In the example according to Figs. 137 and 138 the fastener members 291 are provided with curved slots 301 on opposite sides thereof and, the spacing members 299 are provided with correspondingly curved projections 308' engaging the slots 801' of the fastener members.

spamsi In the modification shown in Figs; 139 and 140 the fastener members 291 are provided with slots 302 as in Fig. 129 into which penetrate the lateral projections of the spacing members 298. For connecting the stringer to an article of cloth 299 the carrier is provided with studs 3i2 having pointed ends and lateral retaining noses M8. The studs are stuck with these noses through the cloth 299 and through a. washer strip 3 which may consist of polyamide. I The upper nose 3l3 then bears against the washer strip and prevents the studs from sliding of]? the cloth. The edge portion of the cloth can be folded over the ends of the studs and can be used to form a seam enclosing the studs.

In the examples according to Figs. 128 to 140 the number of connecting studs on a carrier corresponds to the number of spacing members on the carrier serving to'movably fix the fastener members t9 the carrier; obviously, the number of studs on a carrier could be greater or smaller than the number of spacing members.

I claim: l

l. A stringer forming one complementary part of a separable fastener, which stringer comprises a row of spaced elongated fastener elements, one

2. Astringer according to claim 1 in which the wire-like carrier member extends through the fastener elements transversely of the. faces thereof having the projections and recesses in intersecting relation to said faces.

3. A stringer according to claim 1 in which the wire-like carrier member extends through the fastener elements transversely of the-faces thereof having the projections and recesses in intersecting relation to said faces, the studs being carried by said member in fixed relation thereto in the plane of the row of said elementsin spaced relation to said elements and projecting from said member in the opposite direction from said elements.

4. 'A stringer according to claim 1 in which the studs are carried by the wire-like member in the plane of the row of fastener elements and project from said member in the opposite direction from said elements, said studs at their free ends being pointed to provide fabric penetrating means and also having fabric-retaining and enof the opposed faces of each pair of said elements transverse to said row being formed with a projection adjacent one end of said face, while the other of said faces is formed with an aligned recess, which projections and recesses are adapted disengageably to interlock with the recesses and projections, respectively, of the fastener elements of the stringer forming the other complementary part of the fastener; a wire-like fastener element carrier member extending longitudinally of said row, on which member said fastener elements are supported in fixed relation thereto and in spaced relation to each other in the plane of said row adjacent their ends opposite said projections and recesses; said member constituting the sole means for so supporting said elements and being of rigid material of such reduced cross-section that the portions thereof between said elements are bendable for permitting relative rocking of said elements for effecting such disengageable interlocking; and means for securing said wire-like carrier member to the edge portion of an article to which the stringer is to be applied comprising elongated studs carried adjacent one of their endsv solely by the portions of said member which are between said elements.

gaging means for preventing their withdrawal after such penetration.

5. A stringer according to claim 1 in which the studs are carried by the wire-like member in the plane of the row of fastener elements and project from said member in the opposite direction from said elements, said studs at their free ends being pointed to provide fabric penetrating means and also being formed adjacent their free ends with through perforations extending in the direction of the length of said row for adapting them to receive fabric retaining means to prevent their withdrawal after such penetration.

6. A stringer. according to claim 1 in which the studs are carried by the wire-like member in the plane of the row of fastener elements and project from said member in the opposite direction from said elements, said member being formed with through perforations spaced longitudinally thereof and extending in the direction of the lengths of said elements and studs, said elements and studs adjacent said member being formed with laterally recessed portions providing opposed shoulders transverse to the lengths of said elements and studs, said recessed portions being received in saidperforations with said shoulders abutting with those opposite sides of said member on which said perforations open.

MARTIN. WINTERHAL'IER. 

